Sports news from Los Angeles and beyond

Kevin Love to give pro volleyball a try at Manhattan Beach Open

With professional basketball currently not an option -- at least not in the U.S. -- NBA All-Star Kevin Love is going pro in another sport -- beach volleyball.

The former UCLA star and current member of the Minnesota Timberwolves started practicing Tuesday and plans to play in next month's Manhattan Beach Open on the pro volleyball tour.

Love, nephew of Beach Boys member Mike Love, was approached by representatives of tour sponsor Jose Cuervo to take part in the event. He says he thought the idea was a "home run" and a great way “to be out in the sun, be active and have fun during the lockout.”

The NBA's leading rebounder says his goal is to make it past the first day of the three-day competition. He does not have a partner yet.

Photo: Kevin Love, right, and pro beach volleyball player John Hyden play in New York's Times Square after announcing that Love will compete in the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series. Credit: Jason DeCrow / AP Images for Jose Cuervo